Omega-3 Dietary Supplements Might Alleviate Some Anxiety Symptoms

In a meta-analysis, daily ω-3 dosages ≥2000 mg yielded modest positive clinical effects.

Dietary supplements containing ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) — both eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) — are purported to alleviate anxiety symptoms. In this meta-analysis, researchers identified 19 randomized trials (16 placebo controlled; 2240 total patients; mean patient age, 42) in which benefits of ω-3 PUFA supplements (mean dosage, ≈1600 mg/day) were evaluated in a wide array of anxiety diagnoses and conditions.

Findings of the meta-analysis included the following:

Anxiety symptoms declined from baseline in patients who received ω-3 PUFAs, although the clinical effect was modest.
The association with fewer anxiety symptoms occurred only in patients with defined clinical anxiety diagnoses and not in patie…

Reviewing Author

Thomas L. Schwenk, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Thomas L. Schwenk, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Omega-3 Dietary Supplements Might Alleviate Some Anxiety Symptoms

Topics

Reviewing Author